What's Inside
We are delighted to publish this first edition of the Bulletin for 2026! This month, we are focusing on exemplary financial practices. As you prepare for the upcoming tax season, year-end, audits, and other financial reporting, we hope that we can help you navigate what lies ahead - regardless of your organization's schedule for these tasks.
See the Financial Management section in our Knowledge Base for guidance. This month, we are featuring updated content on requirements related to the disbursement quota. We are also pleased to share a sample document in the Internal Controls category to guide you in developing an anti-fraud and corruption policy.
Starting with this Bulletin issue, we are featuring a new "Meet the CCCC" section to highlight our various teams that are ready to serve you - some directly and some behind the scenes! This month, meet Curtis Towns, CCCC's Head of Finance and Accreditation. Be sure to register for the T3010 Walkthrough webinar, presented by Curtis on February 18 at 2pm and plan to attend his next webinar on March 18 focused on creating and managing your ministry's budget!
While not financial in nature, we also have two important charitable sector updates to share. One is in relation to recent updates in the Lobbying Act, and the other features the landmark case unfolding in British Columbia focused on medical assistance in dying. CCCC's Deina Warren, Director of Legal Affairs, is intervening on behalf of Christian charities that uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life. Watch for more information on this important case in the future.
Finally, to close out the month, we have some news to share. CCCC has been blessed to have committed and long-serving staff who have provided excellent service to our members. Most recently, we said farewell to Gilbert (Gil) Langerak. Gil retired in December 2025 after 28 years of service. Many of you will have interacted with Gil by phone and email via our Member Support Team. We will miss his expertise and his kind demeanour, not only to members but also to CCCC staff. Happy retirement, Gil! Please note that, despite this departure, our members will continue to receive exceptional support from the CCCC Member Support Team!
Curtis Towns
Head of Finance and Accreditation
It has been my pleasure to serve CCCC members for nearly ten years. As Head of Finance, I provide leadership to our finance team (which includes Wayne Kroeker and Alice Penny), recommendations to our CEO, and am responsible for financial reporting activities. Through my expertise in various aspects of operating a Christian charity, I contribute regularly to our Knowledge Base and teach through webinars and in-person events.
As Head of Accreditation, I give leadership to our esteemed Standards program. In this role, I have the privilege of combining my love for Christ's church and its ministries with my passion for operating ministries sustainably, characterized by high levels of accountability, integrity, and transparency. I serve alongside an incredible team who conduct accreditation reviews.
Finally, I am always eager to provide responsive support to our members. I also speak with them, discussing the various challenges and complexities they face on a day-to-day basis.
Updated Disbursement Quota Category
The Disbursement Quota (DQ) is the minimum amount a registered charity must spend each year on either its charitable activities or in making qualifying disbursements. The DQ formula depends on knowing the value of the charity’s property not used for charitable activities or administration. CCCC's updated Knowledge Base resources provide helpful information for determining how the DQ applies to a charity.
Read moreAnti-Fraud & Corruption Policy Template
Located in our Knowledge Base under the Internal Controls category, you will find a sample document that you can download and customize to help develop systems, procedures, and practices to minimize the risks of fraud and corruption in your organization. CCCC is grateful to Children Believe for providing our members with this in-depth resource.
Read more
Learning Table Update
We’re thankful for the ways The Learning Table has served CCCC Members, and we’re also excited about what’s ahead. As we continue to build and improve learning opportunities through the Knowledge Base, MST support, and the upcoming launch of The Studio, we have decided to discontinue new purchases for The Learning Table. The Learning Table courses will remain available for the remainder of 2026, to members who have already purchased a course; however, no new course purchases are available at this time. We look forward to continuing to serve you with resources that strengthen your mission and support your work.
A T3010 Resource
Last summer, we announced a new enhancement to our CRA-approved resource, making it even easier to file your charity's T3010 return. Members of CCCC now have the option to download a .txt file that can be uploaded directly to CRA through My Business Account. This saves you time and reduces the chance of errors from manual entry. The resource is available free of charge for CCCC members and for a nominal ($50) annual fee for non-members. For more details, please see our T3010 page. Also, don't miss our T3010 Walkthrough webinar this month.
Read more
Amendments to the Lobbying Act
Charities with employees engaged in public policy dialogue activities may need to register with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying Canada, as recent amendments to the Lobbying Act effective January 19, 2026 have lowered the thresholds for employees engaging in lobbying activities.
CCCC to Appear as an Intervenor in O’Neill v. British Columbia
CCCC is participating in a landmark legal challenge over whether a faith-based hospital can decline to provide medical assistance in dying (MAID). CCCC was granted intervenor status in April 2025 to represent Christian charities that uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life.
On January 12, 2026, the four-week evidentiary trial began, when the parties will present witnesses and evidence to the court. This evidence will lay the groundwork for the constitutional and other legal arguments to be made in April.
CCCC’s intervention emphasizes that collective conscience — not just individual conscience — deserves legal recognition and respect under the Charter, and the importance of respecting charity law, which requires organizations to operate in a manner consistent with their charitable objects and purposes.
To read more about CCCC interventions, check out our June Bulletin and November Legal Affairs Update. You can also watch our Director of Legal Affairs and Bruce Clemenger (EFC) discuss the case on 100 Huntley Street.
Quick Picks
CCCC staff are constantly reading news, reports, and other resources to stay on top of developments in the charitable sector. We think you'll find these picks helpful!
- Another survey confirms religiously committed Canadians most likely to volunteer and donate
- CCCC CEO John Pellowe explains CRA revocations are not targeting Christian charities
- AI Readiness and Adoption in the Nonprofit Sector in 2024
- Modernizing Charity Regulation for Greater Efficiency and Better Results
Events
T3010 Walkthrough Webinar
February 18, 2026 | 2:00 pm EST
All registered charities must complete and submit a Registered Charity Information Form (T3010) each year within six months of the end of their fiscal year. In this webinar, Curtis Towns, CCCC's Head of Finance and Accreditation, will walk through the T3010, providing an introduction to those who are new to the form and a refresher for those responsible for completing it.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Other Notable Upcoming Events
Creating and Managing a Ministry Budget | March 18, 2026, 2:00 pm EST
This webinar will equip participants to prepare a simple ministry budget and manage it faithfully throughout the year. In addition to the core budget planning content, the webinar will also include an introduction to charity accounting basics and preparing and understanding financial statements. Please register here.
Congratulations to Our Accredited Members!
By demonstrating commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency through compliance with the CCCC Standards of Accountability, Mission Eurasia, Inc., has earned CCCC Accreditation.
Mission Eurasia trains, equips, and mobilizes national Christian leaders throughout Eurasia and Israel who are engaging in evangelism, church-planting, holistic ministries, and church growth to transform their countries for Christ.
We also congratulate the following Accredited Members who recently participated in a scheduled accreditation review and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to CCCC Accreditation standards. We are proud to have you as part of our Accredited Member community!
- Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) - CBM is committed to the integral mission of the church works with over 1,000 Canadian Baptist churches to encourage a discipleship that has a global vision of faith, justice, compassion and peace.
- Power to Change Ministries - Power to Change helps people know Jesus and experience His power to change the world.
- Redeemer University - Redeemer University is a Christian undergraduate university where students are being shaped by the Reformed Christian commitment to see faith woven through all aspects of learning and life.
To find out more about CCCC Accreditation and our Accredited members, visit giveconfidently.ca.
Navigating Delayed Year-End Deposits
A timely thread in Green Base Camp unpacked the complexities of receipting delayed year-end gifts. Leaders shared insights on how CRA views gift dates, especially for electronic donations and mailed cheques. The consensus? Use the donor’s transaction date if you can verify it, but when in doubt, confirm with CRA. From postmarks to processing delays, this discussion is a must-read for those finalizing 2025 receipts.
Read moreChurch Credit Card Use & Policy Tips
Originally sparked in October and revived this January, a thoughtful thread on Green Base Camp explored how ministries manage church credit cards. Leaders shared sample policies, tech tools like AutoEntry and QuickBooks, and practical advice for handling staff and volunteer expenses. From splitting charges to managing receipts, and even what to do when volunteers resist tech, this conversation is packed with helpful detail and real-world experience.
Read more
Renting Out Church Property: What to Know
In a timely thread from late December, a congregation asked about renting out a vacant rectory while between pastors. The discussion highlighted key compliance steps, like reviewing charitable purposes, setting clear rental policies, and understanding provincial landlord laws. Leaders also raised important considerations about CRA guidelines, municipal short-term rental rules, and property tax implications. Whether you’re managing extra space or planning for future transitions, this post offers practical insights to help you stay mission-aligned and compliant.
Read moreServices
A Pro When You Need One
The professionals listed in our Professional Associates Directory provide services to charities and practice in four general areas: law, accounting, insurance, and consulting.
CCCC Benediction
James Metcalf, Chief Operating Officer
May the God who provides all things, surround you with His love as you faithfully steward the finances entrusted to your care. As you navigate budgets, reports, audits and decisions this month, may wisdom, integrity, peace, and faithfulness guide you, and may you be reminded—especially this Valentine’s season—that your work is an expression of Christ’s love in action. Go with confidence, knowing your faithful leadership is seen, valued, and blessed.
Contact Details
Canadian Centre for Christian Charities
PO Box 335 STN Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A4
(519) 669-5137
